Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s “What Was That” Tops UK Singles Chart for Seventh Non-Consecutive Week, Dominating 2026 Charts
“What Was That,” the powerful collaboration between British rock sensation Sam Fender and rising soul artist Olivia Dean, has once again claimed the coveted No. 1 spot on the U.K. Singles Chart for the week of April 10, marking its seventh non-consecutive week at the summit. This enduring success solidifies the track’s position as the longest-running number one single of 2026 to date, a testament to its widespread appeal and critical acclaim.
For Sam Fender, this milestone represents his first-ever U.K. chart-topper, a significant achievement for the North Shields-born artist who has steadily built a devoted fanbase with his anthemic songwriting and raw, emotive performances. Olivia Dean, however, adds this to her growing collection of chart victories, with “What Was That” being her second number one single, following the success of her earlier hit, “Man I Need.” The synergy between Fender’s rugged vocal delivery and Dean’s soulful resonance has clearly struck a chord with the British public, propelling the song to unprecedented heights.
The track’s dominance extends beyond its chart performance. At the prestigious 2026 BRIT Awards, held earlier this year, “What Was That” was honored with the Song of the Year award in a fan-voted category. This recognition underscored the song’s impact on the national music scene and highlighted the collaborative spirit that has defined its success. Currently, the single is also making waves internationally, charting at No. 78 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and achieving the No. 1 position in Australia, demonstrating its global reach.
Genesis of a Chart-Topper: From Album Track to Global Hit
The journey of “What Was That” began as a standout track on Sam Fender’s critically acclaimed album, People Watching, released in February 2025. The album itself was a significant moment in Fender’s career, garnering widespread praise and ultimately winning the prestigious Mercury Prize. It was four months after the album’s release, in June 2025, that Olivia Dean lent her distinct vocal talents to the track, transforming it into a duet. This reimagining of the song was born from a memorable live performance at Fender’s sold-out London Stadium show, where their on-stage chemistry was palpable. The live rendition evidently resonated so strongly that it paved the way for the studio collaboration, a decision that has unequivocally paid dividends.
The partnership between Fender and Dean exemplifies a trend in contemporary music where artists from different genres can come together to create something uniquely powerful. Fender, known for his Springsteen-esque narratives and stadium-filling rock anthems, found a complementary partner in Dean, whose introspective lyrics and soulful R&B influences offer a nuanced counterpoint. This fusion has allowed “What Was That” to transcend genre boundaries, appealing to a broad spectrum of listeners who appreciate both its lyrical depth and its infectious melody.
A Competitive Week on the UK Singles Chart
This week’s U.K. Singles Chart sees a dynamic landscape, with several artists vying for top positions. Bella Kay maintains a strong presence at No. 2 with her track “iloveitiloveitiloveit.” The song has also achieved a new peak on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching No. 17, indicating its growing international traction. Kay, in a recent interview with Billboard for its Chartbreaker column, articulated her artistic philosophy, stating, "I want to make sure that I do pop my own way. I don’t want it to be super shiny and polished – I want it to be dirty and real.” This raw, authentic approach appears to be resonating with audiences, positioning her as a significant voice in the current pop landscape.
Holding steady at No. 3 is Tame Impala’s “Dracula.” The Australian psychedelic rock band has achieved their highest ever placing on the U.K. Singles Chart with this track. The song’s ascent has been significantly bolstered by a high-profile remix featuring JENNIE of the globally renowned K-pop group BLACKPINK, as well as a viral surge of popularity on the social media platform TikTok. This strategic collaboration and engagement with trending digital platforms highlight the evolving mechanisms of music promotion in the 21st century.
Further down the chart, Zara Larsson’s “Lush Life” has climbed three places to No. 4. The Swedish pop star’s 2025 album, Midnight Sun, has also seen renewed success, reaching a new peak of No. 12 on the U.K.’s Official Albums Chart. This demonstrates a sustained interest in Larsson’s musical output, with both her singles and albums continuing to perform well. Alex Warren’s “Fever Dream” rounds out the top five, rising one spot to No. 5, showcasing continued momentum for the artist.
Dominic Fike has secured a strong presence in the top 10 this week, with two of his tracks making an impact. “Babydoll” is positioned at No. 8, while his 2025 single “White Keys” has climbed to a new peak of No. 10, signifying a significant resurgence for the track. This dual chart success for Fike underscores his versatility and enduring appeal within the U.K. music scene.
Meanwhile, Ella Langley’s country-infused track “Choosin’ Texas,” which previously hit No. 1 on the U.S. Hot 100, has climbed an impressive 12 places to No. 16 on the U.K. chart. This marks the country music star’s first top 20 placement in the U.K., indicating a growing crossover appeal for her music.
Adding to the week’s notable chart movements, Harry Styles’ debut solo single, “Sign of the Times,” has re-entered the top 40, reaching No. 28. This resurgence comes after its inclusion in the popular film Project Hail Mary, a placement that has clearly reignited interest in the 2017 hit. The song’s return to prominence highlights how contemporary media can breathe new life into established musical works, demonstrating the enduring power of well-crafted songs.
Broader Implications and Future Trends
The sustained success of “What Was That” on the U.K. Singles Chart, alongside the strong performances of artists like Bella Kay and Tame Impala, points to several key trends in the current music industry. Firstly, the power of collaboration, particularly between artists from different genres, continues to be a potent strategy for chart success. The Fender-Dean collaboration is a prime example, showcasing how diverse artistic voices can coalesce to create a universally appealing product.
Secondly, the influence of social media platforms, such as TikTok, cannot be overstated. The virality of songs like Tame Impala’s “Dracula,” amplified by remixes and user-generated content, demonstrates the platform’s capacity to drive singles up the charts. This underscores the need for artists and labels to engage strategically with these digital ecosystems.
Thirdly, the enduring appeal of well-crafted songwriting remains paramount. Tracks like “What Was That,” which feature strong lyrical narratives and emotive vocal performances, continue to connect with audiences on a deep level, transcending fleeting trends. The success of Sam Fender’s anthemic rock and Olivia Dean’s soulful delivery exemplifies this enduring appeal.
The chart’s diversity, featuring a mix of established artists and emerging talents, suggests a healthy and dynamic music market in the U.K. The presence of international artists like Tame Impala and Zara Larsson, alongside domestic talent, further highlights the global interconnectedness of the music industry. As the year progresses, it will be interesting to observe whether “What Was That” can extend its record-breaking run and how other artists will adapt to the evolving landscape of music consumption and promotion. The continued success of these diverse acts promises an exciting year ahead for music enthusiasts worldwide.
